Hi everyone,

Many of you have been wondering why our bakery case has been empty this past year. Our wonderful baker Vanessa, has been dealing with a sudden and mysterious medical condition that has completely changed her life.

Almost overnight, Vanessa went from being an amazing barista and baker to struggling just to walk a few steps. She now relies on a wheelchair and a walker for short distances and cannot stand without assistance. On top of that, she lives with constant, severe muscle and joint pain that strikes multiple times a day. Despite countless appointments with local doctors and specialists at the Cleveland Clinic, she has only received a partial diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder — leaving us without clear answers or a path forward.

For those who know Vanessa, you know her vibrant personality, her laugh, and the way she lights up every room she walks into. She poured her passion and energy into Fat Tiger, creating joy for our community through her baking. To see her sidelined by pain has been heartbreaking.

We’re raising funds to give Vanessa the chance to explore every possible path toward healing — from functional medicine and acupuncture to other treatments not covered by insurance. Your support will give her the resources to fight for her health, her independence, and hopefully, her return to the bakery she loves.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help lift some of the heavy weight she carries.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this campaign to spread the word.

With love and gratitude,

The Fat Tiger Family